5 days on Flow Vélo from Angoulême to île d'Aix

Day 1Arrival in Angoulême

Less than 2 hours from Paris by TGV, Angoulême, capital of the Comics is the ideal starting point for Flow Vélo. Take advantage of your visit to discover the heart of the city and the banks of the Charente. Do not miss the walk of painted walls.

Day 2Angoulême – Cognac | 62 km

First step along the river, the course alternates between right bank and left bank of the Charente. At Trois Pâlis, a gourmet stop is required at the “Letuffe Chocolaterie”, the most famous Chocolate factory in Charente. After Châteauneuf-sur-Charente and its charming old streets comes Jarnac, the birthplace of François Mitterrand, a French President. It is worth a visit, especially the historic houses and the Orangerie quay. The route then takes you through the Charente vineyards to the historic town of Cognac, known worldwide for its liquors. The old center and the houses are characteristic. Why not a tasting or a visit to the cellars or the distillery?

Day 3Cognac – Saintes | 38 km

By small and quiet roads or good paths, the route is always close to the river. The Port du Lys, in Salignac-sur-Charente, is a restful stopover on the banks of the Charente. You are now in Charentes-Maritimes! You continue through the countryside, with small villages and a typical charm. You end your stage in Saintes, a “Art and History Town” located on the road to St Jacques de Compostela. Its architectural heritage is rich, iespecially the Abbaye aux Dames and the Gallo- Roman remains.

Day 4Saintes – Rochefort | 58 km

A stage without relief leads you first to the small village of Port d´Envaux, with its typical charm. An unusual detour? just 1 km from the route is “Les Lapidiales”, a unique open-air art space. Back on the official route, the Château de Panloy built under Louis XV on the banks of the Charente is open to visitors. One last crossing of the Charente and you arrive at Rochefort by the banks of the river to discover the site of the old maritime arsenal.

Day 5Excursion to île d’Aix | 50 km

You follow the Charente to its estuary to arrive at Fouras, a small seaside resort that invites you to take a walk. After the south beach, you pass at the foot of Fort Vauban: take the opportunity to go up there and contemplate the view of the ocean and the islands of Madame, Aix and Oléron.

Continue along the beach before reaching Pointe de la Fumée, facing the island of Aix, and embarking on an island adventure! In this small territory, the bicycle is king. The Ile d’Aix, with its typical houses offers breathtaking views of the estuary and Fort Boyard. Go back to Rochefort by bike paths.
Departure at the end of the day.

Possibility to book an extra night in Rochefort.